Social media influencer shot dead in Iraq

Iraqi TikTok star Ghufran Mahdi Sawadi, known as Um Fahad, was fatally shot outside her Baghdad home by a lone assailant on a motorbike Friday night. It is the third killing of a social media influencer in less than a year, highlighting societal tensions in Iraq.

Sawadi’s death comes amid Iraq’s crackdown on LGBTQ expression and increasing conservative views in the country. She faced controversy when sentenced to six months in prison last February for sharing content that violated “public decency and morals,” according to the Iraqi judiciary.

Sawadi’s videos featured pop music, dance routines and daily life content. Her online presence garnered over 460,000 followers.